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Why Laser Pointers Could be Bad for your Cat (it’s not what you think!)

Most of the concern surrounding laser pointers and cats stems from the laser itself. Is it dangerous for their eyes? Of course, you don’t want to point the beam directly into your cat’s eyes on purpose, but no – that really isn’t the big problem with laser pointers. The real danger is the feeling of frustration a game of laser tag leaves with your cat.

When your kitty sees that little wiggly ball of light from a laser pointer, nothing matters to him more than catching it. Unfortunately, the problem is there’s nothing there to ‘catch’, since it’s just an ungraspable bundle of light. And, it turns out, the lack of closure your cat experiences from endlessly trying to catch it may actually be screwing with his head.

Cats instinctively chase those bright red laser dots simply because they’re moving; stimulating their natural prey drive. The laser beam’s incessant moving taps into this prey drive and the cat can’t help himself – he has to chase it.

The potential problem with these toys comes because the cat can never “win” the game. Even if a cat catches the dot there’s nothing there. The cat gets all worked up with no resolution — every time. Even in the wild, a hunting cat will catch the prey now and then. But there’s no catching that alluring, fast-moving red dot!

If your cat loves to chase, Dr. Becker recommends using more tangible toys that he can actually catch, as some cats will redirect their frustration in ways that may hurt them or you.

However, if you can’t find a toy that gets your feline friend as excited as the laser, another solution we really love is to hide treats around the room and occasionally land the laser light on the treat to surprise your kitty. Problem solved!

6 Comments

PLZ DO NOT USE LASERS FOR TOY FOR CAT. I’M SHOUTING TO ALL HERE…MY DAUGHTER HAD ONE AND IT WAS SHONE ON THE WALL. HER CAT JUMPED UP FOR IT AND CAME DOWN ON HIS SIDE AND INSTANTLY KILLED IT (SPINAL INJURY). I BEG OF YOU …PLZ DONT!

I have safely used laser pointers while playing with cats for over 20+ years.
Yes, it is quickly noticed by any normal adult that cats wish to catch their prey and this is easily solved by alternating the laser chase with a shoe string toy etc.
Give me a frickin’ break.
This web page is laughable.
Have fun playing with your cats.
(The story above concerning the death of a kitten while play chasing a laser pointer is unfortunate and “rare.” The lesson here is to limit play area to wide open floor spaces.)

Mercy a liberal will make everything Un- enjoyably. I’ve never seen a cat who did not stop playing when the light is turned off . Yes I keep it away from their eyes . I see many cat toys that are more dangerous than a laser. THHE CAT ENJOYS THE CHASE GET A LIFE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.

How on earth does someone extrapolate caution about cats and laser lights into being a “liberal” idea? Honestly, not every issue on earth is divisible into liberal or conservative camps! I personally like the strategy of rewarding my cats’ laser-hunting efforts with hidden treats. None of my cats care a whit about lib-con party lines, btw…they have better things to do with their time, like chase laser lights and nap and wreak general havoc.

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Just when this dog-eat-dog world has handed you all the poop you can take, it's time to walk the dog. Or wash the dog. Or feed the dog. You get the idea. So welcome to the world of easy-to-care-for cats.
Entertainment comes bundled in a furry, huggable, self-cleaning cat who won't beg for your food. In his eyes, you don't eat well enough anyway. Just keep a laser pen handy, sit back and wait for the fun to begin! Cats...ya gotta love 'em.